Toast PDX

As the winter doldrums sink into the February calendar of events around Portland, the TOAST party is one designed to lift the spirit with spirits. An evening of tasting and toasting is a sure way to shake off the bad weather blues and get schooled on some of the finer points of producing classic and innovative distilled beverages. TOAST, an outpouring from the Oregon Distillers Guild, plays tasting room to 120 regional, national and global spirits and support products, like bitters and mixers, along with a sampling of cuisines from a select handful of Portland's top eateries.The vibe started back in 2010, and has been gaining popularity for both purveyors and drink-local aficionados ever since. No matter what your poison, you'll find several interpretations of it in the TOAST offerings. From the brown liquor to the clear fire-water; there's something for every alcoholic pursuit. One of the surprises in 2017 was the increased presence of local Absinthe and Aquavit, two very European pedigrees. The growing diversity in style and substance of the spirits produced with local, sustainable ingredients is also an impressive characteristic in the evolution of the event. And while having an affinity for the "hard-A" makes the event more relevant for discerning guests, it really is a celebration, first and foremost. Everyone's welcome to responsibly get their drink on.February in the NW can be a bit harsh. The TOAST takes the bite out of the cold and damp with a warm, inviting evening of drinking and eating that makes the most of honoring the art of distillation in these boozey times. Put it on your calendar, you'll be intoxicated-ly happy you did.